Last updated: 2026-05-15
Mazda vs Ram: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Mazda
6 models tracked
Ram
3 models tracked
Comparing Mazda and Ram on reliability? This page compares their scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs across every model we track.
Mazda currently leads with an average score of 73/100 compared to 57/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Mazda More Reliable Than Ram?
| Metric | Mazda | Ram |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 73/100 | 57/100 |
| Models Tracked | 6 | 3 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 16 | 53 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 519 | 1442 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $487/yr | $691/yr |
Ram Models
3 models ranked by reliability
Mazda vs Ram: The Verdict
This isn't a close contest. Mazda outperforms Ram on nearly every reliability measure we track. Aggregating recall data, owner complaints, and repair costs across every model we track, Mazda averages 73/100 (6 models) and Ram averages 57/100 (3 models).
On the cost front, Mazda is cheaper to maintain at $487/year versus $691/year. Over 5 years, that's roughly $1020 in savings. Worth noting: repair costs vary heavily by model within each make, so this is an average — check individual model pages for specifics.
Where Mazda and Ram Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Mazda | Ram |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 67/100Good | 67/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 71/100Good | 55/100Mixed |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 80/100Excellent | 61/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 81/100Excellent | 81/100Excellent |
Where they diverge most: recall impact. Mazda has a 19-point edge in that component, which accounts for much of the reliability gap.
Mazda vs Ram: Strengths and Weaknesses
Mazda
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (73/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Very affordable maintenance ($487/year avg)
- 5 of 6 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Ram
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (57/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- Reliability trending downward in recent model years
- 37 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
How Reliable Are Mazda and Ram Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Mazda
Ram
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Mazda or Ram?
Based on independent repair cost data, Mazda is cheaper to maintain at an average of $487/year compared to $691/year for Ram. That's a difference of $204/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Mazda Repair Cost Range
$433 – $581/yr
Average: $487/yr
Common Problems: Mazda vs Ram
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Mazda | Ram |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 16%414 | 25%912 |
| ENGINE | 26%665 | 11%407 |
| POWER TRAIN | 11%287 | 14%530 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 12%322 | 11%398 |
| STEERING | 6%148 | 15%563 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 6%168 | 6%213 |
| AIR BAGS | 4%101 | 4%132 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 1%16 | 3%125 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 4%114 | 0%15 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Mazda vs Ram Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Mazda owners reported 189 crash-related, 14 fire-related, and 116 injury-related complaints to NHTSA. Ram owners reported 171 crash-related, 37 fire-related, and 125 injury-related complaints. Mazda has fewer severe incident reports overall. These counts reflect owner-reported incidents and don't establish causation — but they're a useful signal for comparing safety profiles.
Mazda
189
Crash reports
14
Fire reports
116
Injury reports
Ram
171
Crash reports
37
Fire reports
125
Injury reports
Every Mazda and Ram Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Mazda Models
Mazda vs Ram Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
Mazda's reliability has been stable across the years we track. Ram's reliability is declining in recent model years.
| Model Year | Mazda | Ram | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 72/100(6) | 45/100(3) | Mazda |
| 2024 | 69/100(6) | 46/100(3) | Mazda |
| 2023 | 74/100(5) | 68/100(2) | Mazda |
| 2022 | 79/100(4) | 63/100(2) | Mazda |
| 2021 | 73/100(4) | 61/100(2) | Mazda |
| 2020 | 75/100(3) | 64/100(2) | Mazda |
| 2019 | 75/100(3) | 58/100(2) | Mazda |
| 2018 | 74/100(3) | 66/100(2) | Mazda |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
The Bottom Line: Mazda or Ram?
The numbers make a strong case for Mazda — this is one of the larger make-level gaps in our database.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Mazda CX-5 leads both lineups with a score of 81/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that Mazda costs less to maintain — $487/year vs $691/year. Over a typical 5-year ownership period, that adds up to roughly $1020 in savings.
All scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data combined with independent repair cost databases. Check individual model pages for year-specific reliability data before making a final decision.
Mazda vs Ram: Common Questions
Is Mazda more reliable than Ram?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Mazda or Ram?
Which make has more recalls, Mazda or Ram?
What are the most reliable models from Mazda and Ram?
What are the least reliable models from Mazda and Ram?
What are the most common problems with Mazda and Ram vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Mazda or Ram?
How many Mazda and Ram models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Mazda or Ram?
Are Mazda and Ram getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Mazda or Ram?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Mazda or Ram?
Comparing Mazda vs Ram? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.